Too Much Good Stuff – Body Dysmorphic Disorder
September 23rd, 2009
Cosmetic surgery addiction or habituation does occur more frequently than one would expect. At least it appears that way in the media. Websites are full of individuals who have chosen too much plastic surgery. Also featured are people that have chosen procedures which have left them with an unnatural physical appearance, either by design or because of a poor result. I think these situations are related.
The first person who comes to mind is the late Michael Jackson. Throughout his life he underwent a metamorphosis each year toward a more bizarre facial appearance. By examining successive photos, it is impossible to figure out precisely what he had done. Obviously he had multiple nose surgeries. He has also had a variety of facial skin tightening/whitening procedures along with a myriad of facial implants and injections. I really think he suffered the full expression of “body dysmorphic syndrome.” “Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental illness also known as imagined ugliness. It’s just that – a person sees physical flaws that either too slight or nonexistent for anyone else to notice…” The term imagined ugliness perfectly describes this condition. Michael Jackson imagined himself ugly and most likely sought out cosmetic surgeries and treatments in an effort to alleviate his mental anguish. As it has been reported, he also sought some type of escape by abusing numerous prescription drugs. In a way he traded his probable psychiatric diagnosis (socially unacceptable) for a surgical procedures (socially acceptable). Arguably the cosmetic surgery procedures provided him with the publicity he craved and attention he needed on a continued and ongoing basis.
It is unfortunate that he surrounded himself with an entourage that did very little in his best interest, except to simply enable his unhealthy choices and line their own pockets.
Tomorrow I will discuss Jocelyn Wildenstein, known as the “Cat Woman” of New York because of her peculiar desire to look like a cat.
Gina’s Blog: 2 Weeks After Surgery
August 11th, 2009
Training with Kettle Bells
So far, so good. I’m two and a half weeks into my recovery and I feel amazing! Actually, I feel too amazing. I really thought I’d feel crappy and sore for at least a few weeks, as I did with my previous surgery. Clearly, the breast reduction was less traumatic to my body than the liposuction. The next day after surgery, I woke up feeling great… tired, but feeling great. I am on a three-week restriction, or what I like to refer to it as a little “time out.â€
The first week I couldn’t raise my heart rate at all, period. That meant no cardio, no working out whatsoever. That sucked, I mean really sucked. But week two hasn’t been too bad, because I was allowed the addition of some forms of my cardio workouts, although I still can’t lift anything more than five pounds. I’ve been doing fast walking and some super light jogging because I tried to run and I felt some aching in my breast. I put a stop to that real quick. When I saw Dr. Bashioum at his office for my post-surgery exam, he said that I could increase my activity level slowly, as long as it did not cause any pain. I’ve also been doing some Kettle Bell exercises with a 5lb dumb bell… I have to keep the groove! I’m surprised and happy that I feel as great as I do but, on the flipside, because I feel so good; it’s making it really difficult for me to adhere to my restrictions. I was naughty only twice. The first offense was putting my 51.8-pound foster dog, Dexter, on his back for a time when he misbehaved.
Dexter
He’s definitely over my weight restriction I know, but it was just a spontaneous reaction. The second offense was my poor decision to go on the zip line at the playground with my 12 yr. old nephew. I was really disappointed in myself for giving in to my impatience. Sandy, Dr. Bashioum’s Patient Care Coordinator said I might have to be on “time out” longer now since I didn’t follow my recovery guidelines. If she said it to scare me into being rigid with the recovery guidelines, it worked! I definitely don’t want a longer restriction period, so I’m really trying to be good.
Gina with 2 Kettle Bells
I already notice a nice change and I know it will take at least 6 months to a year to see the full outcome. I can’t wait and I certainly don’t want to do anything to ruin my chances for a great result!
Check back to see if I can follow my own advice…
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